What ward to you live in?

[SebC]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

But the expenditure of public funds (at a significantly higher than normal cost) on something that (arguably) unnecessary IS an election issue.

Allocated, provincial expenditure is a municipal election issue? Perhaps, but it's hardly a big one.

Originally Posted by nik-

Paying twice as much as necessary? According to who, Rick Bell? The other bridge that went through all of your desired channels is going to cost the same amount.

Not only that, but it's totally lame.

[MarchHare]

If you are referring to the Peace Bridge, its funding is coming from MSI.

Where do you think MSI money comes from?

MSI money for the Peace Bridge came from the provincial government. Those who are trying to blame the use (or misuse depending on your POV) of this grant money on City Hall's budget shortfall or property tax hike are being erroneous.

http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/..._faq_final.pdf

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

MSI money for the Peace Bridge came from the provincial government.

Yes, I already stated it was MSI funded, which is provincial grant money.

Where do you think the provincial government got the money from?

[MarchHare]

Where do you think the provincial government got the money from?

Is that some kind of trick question? Obviously the provincial government raises money through personal and corporate taxation, royalties, transfer payments from Ottawa, etc.

My point is that the Calgary municipal government is not running a deficit right now because of the bridge, nor did they have to increase property taxes to pay for it. Both of those points are common misconceptions that those trying to turn this into an election issue are all-too-happy not to correct.

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by First Lady

Yes, I already stated it was MSI funded, which is provincial grant money.

Where do you think the provincial government got the money from?

No offense Jane, but drop the bridges debate. Focus on other actual issues instead of pushing Rick Bell's agenda.

You've already shown you're not up to speed with the actual details of the bridges, so why keep debating a non-issue? You're better off attacking the overall "sole-source" contracting issue at city hall.

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

Is that some kind of trick question?

No, not at all.

I wanted to be sure we are on the same page. That all the monies come from the same place - - from you and I, the taxpayers.

Obviously the provincial government raises money through personal and corporate taxation, royalties, transfer payments from Ottawa, etc.

And you gave several examples, that all come out of our pockets.

Thank you.

My point is that the Calgary municipal government is not running a deficit right now because of the bridge, nor did they have to increase property taxes to pay for it. Both of those points are common misconceptions that those trying to turn this into an election issue are all-too-happy not to correct.

And one of the misconceptions I've found is that many are saying "oh, but that was paid by the province" or a "joint prov/fed project". At the end of the day they are all taxpayer projects.

Originally Posted by Ducay

No offense Jane, but drop the bridges debate. Focus on other actual issues instead of pushing Rick Bell's agenda.

Blah, you can't offend me.... but comparing me to Bell is coming close...LOL

You've already shown you're not up to speed with the actual details of the bridges, so why keep debating a non-issue? You're better off attacking the overall "sole-source" contracting issue at city hall.

The recent direction of this exchange is not so much about bridges, it's about use of taxpayer dollars. And yes, the sole-sourcing goes hand-in-hand with that.

[frinkprof]

If you break it down equally for all Albertans, we all pay about $7.00 for the bridge, amortized over the lifespan of the bridge, 80 years (this is a common way of accounting for the costs of capital infrastructure projects).

If you PM me your address, I will send you $0.10 every January 1st for the next 80 years. Please indicate in your message if you would like a dime or a combination of nickels and pennies.

[Slava]

A) PM Sent! (free money is free money!^

B) The real reason I am bringing this thread back is to ask whether people care whether their elected representatives live in the wards in which they are running?

I ask this for a few reasons....2/3 aldermanic candidates in my ward don't live here. 2/3 public school trustees don't live here (to my knowledge) either, making me the only one who does in that group. For me its almost a deal breaker for civic politics in general. I guess its one thing if the candidate lives a block away or something like that, but each ward has its own issues in my opinion. What do you think?

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Slava

A) PM Sent! (free money is free money!^

B) The real reason I am bringing this thread back is to ask whether people care whether their elected representatives live in the wards in which they are running?

I ask this for a few reasons....2/3 aldermanic candidates in my ward don't live here. 2/3 public school trustees don't live here (to my knowledge) either, making me the only one who does in that group. For me its almost a deal breaker for civic politics in general. I guess its one thing if the candidate lives a block away or something like that, but each ward has its own issues in my opinion. What do you think?

A candidate who does not live in my ward needs to be beyond stellar in every respect to get my vote over someone who does.

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by Slava

A) PM Sent! (free money is free money!^

B) The real reason I am bringing this thread back is to ask whether people care whether their elected representatives live in the wards in which they are running?

I ask this for a few reasons....2/3 aldermanic candidates in my ward don't live here. 2/3 public school trustees don't live here (to my knowledge) either, making me the only one who does in that group. For me its almost a deal breaker for civic politics in general. I guess its one thing if the candidate lives a block away or something like that, but each ward has its own issues in my opinion. What do you think?

It is a common question at the doors. Out of the 11 candidates in Ward 4 10 of us live here.

The one exception is Sean Chu, he lives over 30 minutes (30-40 KMS) away in New Brighton.

I feel it's important to have that day-to-day interaction with the people you represent, to use the same services they do and to drive the same streets.

[longsuffering]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

I'll be honest.....I would intentionally exclude access to the Casino. The casino can arrange transport via hot air balloon for all I care.

Give a bit = Get a lot. Give nothing = Get nothing.

The Tsuu T'ina (not the leadership per se, but certainly the voting membership) has been uncooperative on the issue for almost as long as I've been alive. If we have to make alternate arrangements because they don't wish to participate, then they should receive zero benefit from it.

Yeah! Damn Indians exercising their democratic rights. Let's teach 'em a lesson!

I do you give credit for admitting your pettiness.

[longsuffering]

Originally Posted by Ducay

No offense Jane, but drop the bridges debate. Focus on other actual issues instead of pushing Rick Bell's agenda.

You've already shown you're not up to speed with the actual details of the bridges, so why keep debating a non-issue? You're better off attacking the overall "sole-source" contracting issue at city hall.

Am I the only one who is enjoying the 'politically aware candidate' being schooled by other posters.

Never let the facts get in the way of entrenched political dogma!

[The Goon]

Ward 6. Joe!

Issues:

Current West LRT construction
Damn kids with their loud music
Spelling errors in threads on CP

[worth]

For any of the ward 11 people, there is a forum at the Oakridge Community Center tomorrow with the Mayoral Candidates as well as Ward 11 Candidates @ 7:30pm.

[bizaro86]

Ward 2

Issues:
Build the LRT to the Airport!
Sensible secondary suites policy

[Slava]

Originally Posted by worth

For any of the ward 11 people, there is a forum at the Oakridge Community Center tomorrow with the Mayoral Candidates as well as Ward 11 Candidates @ 7:30pm.

I will be there. Come by and say hi!

[Knut]

Ward 11 here... As a Garrison Green guy i want to see The ATCO removed and amenities put in there.

I also do not mind having nothing but 1 Million + homes in the Barracks area as that will help me with any future sale of my home (less supply in the area).

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Hesla

Ward 11 here... As a Garrison Green guy i want to see The ATCO removed and amenities put in there.

I also do not mind having nothing but 1 Million + homes in the Barracks area as that will help me with any future sale of my home (less supply in the area).

That's a pretty primo piece of land they have there. Maybe the ATCO functions could move down further south of Spruce Meadows.

I'd also be in favour of more million dollar homes, as a greater supply of them would make a hoped-for upgrade a little cheaper. (++supply = --price)

Realistically though, ATCO is a private business, so I'm sure if it makes sense for them to do so they'll sell that land.

Michael

[Knut]

^ I was told when i was moving in there that their lease was expiring and that they were leaving within the next few years.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Hesla

^ I was told when i was moving in there that their lease was expiring and that they were leaving within the next few years.

That would imply ATCO doesn't own that land. Is it owned by the Feds as well?